Bromeliads are today’s “in” plants, easy to grow and can survive the neglect by its owner who maybe too busy with his work. These plants belong to a large family where the edible pineapple belongs. Bromeliads give an exotic appearance to the home, office or garden it adorns.
The broad spectrum in cultivation allows you a wide choice that appeals to your desire and purpose. You can use them to landscape your garden or decorate your living room, porch, lanai, office or just put one or a few on your center or side tables. Because of their wide variety of leaf shapes, colors, flowering and growth habits, the bromeliads are very versatile and are a favorite by both landscapers and interior designers. Singly or in group, they can beautify dull corners or accent a piece of furniture, highlight a simple office or soften the hard straight lines of shelves. In clusters with other plants, the bromeliads will simulate a tropical jungle landscape. Some can be grown in terrariums or dish gardens while others will grow well on driftwoods forming a miniature air garden in a rainforest.
Among the numerous genera of the bromeliads, the Tillandsia is the most intriguing and fascinating not only because of its growth habits but also because of how peculiar they look. Tillandsias are highly variable, they maybe bulbous, tufted, other curious forms. These are considered as adaptable air plants, dwelling on tree top environment like orchids where the wind moves freely. Tillandsias demand very little care if given a suitable environment and as soon as they become adapted to the new environment.
Tillandsias require good air circulation. Place them in areas where there is good strong light, air movement, and moist atmosphere.
Here are lists of tillandsias you can grow in your home or garden:
1. Tillandsia edithae, small dusty plant preferring low temperatures and bright light. The tip of the plant turns red at flowering and produces beautiful flowers.
2. Tillandsia cyanea or Pink Quill, an extraordinary plant, this one is the most desirable of the tillandsias because of its large blue-violet flowers and deep pink inflorescence. It retains its color for several months. The plant will adapt to a potting medium kept, moistened 1 or 2 times per week.
3. Tillandsia serographica, large silvery plant with leaves curving into a ball. The short inflorescence has pink bracts and light purple flowers, it prefers full sunlight.
4. Tillandsia bulbosa or Dancing Bulb, an especially curious small plant with bulbous base and outstretched green arms that are tinted red in bright light. This tillandsia is very easy to grow.
5. Tillandsia circinnata or Twisted Air Plant, a small compact octopus-like plant, which forms dense clusters in good light. Its short pink spike about as long as the plant, has lavender flowers.
6. Tillandsia punctulata or Fairy Queen, this species will grow roots in a porous potting medium. It prefers moderate light and cool temperature.Place some water in a cup-like leaf bases about once or twice daily.
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gardening